MANAGER Ian Long says he's looking forward to finally seeing his Stourbridge players in match action.

The Glassboys begin their pre-season friendly programme this week as Long gets to take charge of his first game as the club's boss.

Stour will take on Walsall Wood away on Thursday night before a trip to face AFC Wulfrunians this Saturday (3pm).

Long is keen to get off to a positive start and has challenged his players to transfer their training effort to the football pitch.

He said: "This is when you really start to see where you're at. It'll give the lads an early opportunity to stake a claim.

"Everyone has been working really hard in training and by the time we get to the Walsall Wood game we'll have had six good sessions.

"I'm just looking forward to taking charge of a game now.

"It's all about fitness rather than the scoreline but you still only get one chance to make a first impression so it'd be nice to get off to a winning start as manager. It's not a bad habit to get into even if it is pre-season.

"We'll be playing different teams over 45 minutes and there'll be players having to play out of position because it's all about making sure we get the minutes into the legs.

"I just want to see us putting what we have been working on in training into practice during the games. I can't wait to get going."

Long is still tracking a host of attacking options but isn't close to adding anyone else at the moment.

Meanwhile, defender Aris Christophorou has now left Stourbridge to join Nuneaton Borough.

The sale of 2019/20 season tickets and flexi-tickets commences this Sunday.

The club will be open between 11am and 1pm. Full details of prices are available on the club's website.

Stourbridge's home friendly will be against Kidderminster Harriers on Monday, July 22 (7.30pm).